Meet Ralph Williams, WECA Client Services Specialist, who is proudly celebrating his 5-year anniversary with the company. If you've ever been to our Rancho Cordova headquarters and training facility, you may have met--or at the very least heard--Ralph through the halls of the campus. His personality and humor are grand, complimented by his determination to succeed at whatever task comes his way.

Born in Stockton but raised in Sacramento, Ralph graduated from Valley High School and then pursued his college education in Business Management. Ralph says that while as a student while he was known for his jokes, he also knew that when it was time to work, work is what needed to get done. It was that mentality and drive that allowed him to complete college and start working for WECA.

While Ralph had no direct personal experience with the electrical field, his father did. Ralph's father worked for many years as a journeyman, and he was the one who introduced Ralph to WECA. With a day-to-day task list of answering company emails and being the first line of contact for current and new students, Ralph continues to be a pillar of support for students training to become electricians through WECA. Having worked at WECA for the past 5 years, he's made a lasting impression on the staff and students. During this time, he's also gone above and beyond as a WECA employee; representing the company each year at the annual Rex Moore "Make A Wish" Golf Tournament, showing his support on behalf of WECA. But with all that hard work, Ralph also enjoys his time off, whether it's relaxing with his three kids or making some of his signature barbecue.

Ralph says, "I love this company and the direction it's headed. Ever expanding and growing. I am blessed to have this job." On behalf of WECA's staff and its students alike, we would like to say congratulations to Ralph on his five-year anniversary, as we look forward to many more years to come.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 WECA Gains College Credit Recommendations for its Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticesh

The Details

WECA has a big announcement! Our Commercial and Residential Electrical apprenticeship programs have received college credit recommendations from NCCRS (the National College Credit Recommendation Service).

This benefit provides WECA commercial and residential electrical apprentices the ability to gain access to college credit for completion of either program by using credit recommendations set forth by NCCRS. While admissions and acceptance of transfer credit isn't guaranteed, more than 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide currently consider awarding credit based on NCCRS recommendations.

"WECA is thrilled to extend this opportunity to our apprentices and graduates," says Terry Seabury, WECA Executive Director and CEO. "We know that some of our graduates choose to pursue additional higher education at traditional colleges and universities in fields such as construction management, and these college credit recommendations from NCCRS may allow them to receive substantial credits for the programs they've already completed at WECA. We view these NCCRS college credit recommendations as further evidence of the educational quality and vigor of our apprenticeship programs."

"NCCRS is pleased to recommend college credit for WECA's commercial and residential electrical apprenticeship courses," NCCRS Director Lisa Sax Mahoney said. "Through our professional evaluations, we continue to support the recognition of high-quality workforce training programs delivered by qualified organizations across the country."

NCCRS, founded in 1973 by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York, strives to increase access to higher education through recognition of non-collegiate learning. Using an academic peer review model, NCCRS conducts independent, third-party evaluations of courses and examinations to determine their comparability to college-level learning. Courses and examinations that meet appropriate standards receive college credit recommendations which are listed within CCRS Online, a web directory maintained by NCCRS.

A:
Any graduates of WECA's Commercial or Residential Electrical Apprenticeships since September of 2013. (NCCRS has granted eligibility going back five years, and evaluated WECA's programs in Autumn of 2018.)

Q: So WECA apprentice grads automatically have college credits?A:
No. NCCRS makes college credit recommendations. (From NCCRS:
A college credit recommendation is an academic advisement about the comparability of a learning experience to college-level instruction, such as undergraduate or graduate course work, the amount of credit that may be awarded, and areas where credit could apply. The credit recommendations are intended to guide college officials as they consider awarding credit to persons who have successfully completed NCCRS evaluated learning experiences. College credit recommendations are not actual college credit because the New York State Board of Regents does not award college credit. Through the results of the NCCRS evaluations, however, the Board of Regents encourages colleges and universities to consider accepting the credit recommendations.)

Q: How Does Acceptance of College Credit Recommendations work?A:
It is up to the college or university to choose whether to grant college credits, how many, and in what subjects, for completion of a WECA program. NCCRS recommends specific credit amounts and subjects. College and university admissions departments should reference NCCRS' WECA listing at http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors for specific recommendations. NCCRS recommends up to 66 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Commerical program, and up to 40 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Residential program.

Q: How Do WECA Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Graduates Use This Benefit?A:
Apprentices grads should:
1. Identify the college or university they wish to ask to accept a credit recommendation from NCCRS for work completed at WECA. (A list of colleges and universities who have previously participated with NCCRS is here: http://www.nationalccrs.org/colleges-universities. Seeing a college or university on this list is a promising sign that they will consider NCCRS' recommendation, but is not a guarantee. Further, just because a college or university is not yet shown on the list does not mean the apprentice grad shouldn't request that they consider the credit recommendation.)
2. Work with their admissions advisor at their college or university of choice to learn the process for seeking college credits for their WECA Commercial or Residential program completion. The college or university may refer to this as their PLA (prior learning assessment) process or policy. The applicant should share NCCRS' WECA credit recommendation http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors with the decision-makers at their college or university.
3. Request a transcript from WECA as requested by their college or university. Email apregistrar@goweca.com with transcript requests.
4. If the applicant encounters problems with their transfer credit request, they can submit a Request for Assistance Form to NCCRS so that NCCRS can advocate on the applicant's behalf.

Q: What about Low Voltage Apprenticeship? Or the Electrician Trainee Program?A:
WECA plans to pursue college credit recommendations for its Low Voltage Apprenticeship program next year, so please stay tuned for more information on that.

WECA is currently evaluating demand for college credit recommendations for its Electrician Trainee program.

Q: What if I still have questions?A: Please call us at 1-877-444-9322 and we'll do our best to help you out.

WECA is pleased to announce that BICSI will be holding the following classes at our Rancho Cordova headquarters in Spring 2019.

IN101: BICSI Installer 1 Training Mar 25-29
This course is designed to provide entry-level installers with the background, knowledge and basic skills needed to function safely and effectively as part of a cabling installation team. The BICSI Installer 1 Training course is the introductory course of the Installation Program series... Learn More

IN225:BICSI Installer 2, Copper Training Apr 1-5
The course begins with an overview of professionalism, copper transmission principles and general safety practices associated with working with copper cabling. A significant amount of course time will then be spent on BICSI best practices for the installation, termination and testing of copper cable... Learn More

IN250:BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber Training Apr 15-19
The course will open with an overview of professionalism, fiber transmission principles and the general safety practices related to optical fiber cabling. A significant amount of course time will then be spent on installation, splicing, termination and testing of optical fiber cable... Learn More

TE350:BICSI Technician Training Apr 29-May 3
A significant amount of course time will be spent on troubleshooting copper and optical fiber cable installations. In addition, this course will cover project planning and implementation at the technician level. Additional topics will include site safety, site surveys, blueprint reading, bonding and... Learn More

OSP102:Applied Outside Plant Design May 20-24 & June 17-21
This course is designed to provide application-based knowledge of all aspects of the Outside Plant (OSP) installation process. During this course, students will apply what they have learned through a series of design exercises such as route design, selecting cables to be housed in the pathways... Learn More

PM102:Applied Telecommunications Project Management Jun 10-14
Proper project management is the foundation of any successful project. This course is designed to provide ICT professionals an opportunity to build on their existing project management skills while also exploring the steps and thought processes behind the basic principles and information necessary for managing a successful telecommunications project... Learn More

DC102:Applied Data Center Design and Best Practices Jun 24-28
BICSI's DC102: Applied Data Center Design and Best Practices course is a five-day course that provides an in-depth review of best practices for designing data centers. In this course you will be introduced to various data center infrastructure systems. In addition, you will have an opportunity to apply what you have learned by engaging in case studies... Learn More

These classes are open to the public and we encourage interested WECA students to enroll early in order to secure seats. These classes are rarely offered in Northern California, and we encourage you to take advantage of this convenient opportunity.Registrations must be processed directly with BICSI. To learn more about these courses and to enroll yourself or an employee, click on the individual course links above, or visit www.bicsi.org and search courses by location for "Rancho Cordova."

Begin this new year with a new career by applying to one of WECA's three Apprenticeship Programs! Get paid to learn as you work to become a certified electrician or low voltage technician in as little as three years.

Starting hourly base wages range from minimum wage to $22.00 or more depending on the type of work and location. Commercial apprentices can expect to earn between $17.00 and $45.00 or more per hour in their 5th year of apprenticeship depending on the type of work and location.

Residential
The Apprentice enrolled in the Residential Wireman Training Program works under the direct supervision of a journeyman electrician installing home and small apartment house wiring, which includes electrical service, installation of Romex and boxes, hooking up of ranges and other major appliances, receptacles, switches, lighting, electrical heat, and heat pumps.

3-year commitment (Classroom & Paid On-The-Job Training)

Includes Fringe Benefit Package provided by Contractor. Fringe benefits may include major medical or 401K or cash equivalent.

Starting hourly base wages range from minimum wage to $21.00 or more depending on the type of work and location. Residential apprentices can expect to earn between $12.20 and $31.00 or more per hour in their 3rd year of apprenticeship depending on the type of work and location.

Low Voltage (Sound and Communication Installer: Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety)
The Apprentice enrolled in the Sound and Communication Installer (Voice/Data/Video) Training Program works under the supervision of a journeyman technician installing and testing, servicing and maintaining systems utilizing the transmission and/or transference of voice, sound, video and digital signals for commercial, education and security and entertainment purposes, as well as for fire, life, and safety.

3-year commitment (Classroom & Paid On-The-Job Training)

Includes Fringe Benefit Package provided by Contractor. Fringe benefits may include major medical or 401K or cash equivalent.

Starting hourly base wages range from minimum wage to $15.00 or more depending on the type of work and location. VDV apprentices can expect to earn between $14.00 and $25.00 or more per hour in their 3rd year of apprenticeship depending on the type of work and location.

WECA is pleased to announce that BISCI will be holding the following classes at our Rancho Cordova headquarters in Spring 2019.

IN101: BICSI Installer 1 Training Mar 25-29
This course is designed to provide entry-level installers with the background, knowledge and basic skills needed to function safely and effectively as part of a cabling installation team. The BICSI Installer 1 Training course is the introductory course of the Installation Program series... Learn More

IN225: BICSI Installer 2, Copper Training Apr 1-5
The course begins with an overview of professionalism, copper transmission principles and general safety practices associated with working with copper cabling. A significant amount of course time will then be spent on BICSI best practices for the installation, termination and testing of copper cable... Learn More

IN250: BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber Training Apr 15-19
The course will open with an overview of professionalism, fiber transmission principles and the general safety practices related to optical fiber cabling. A significant amount of course time will then be spent on installation, splicing, termination and testing of optical fiber cable... Learn More

TE350: BICSI Technician Training Apr 29-May 3
A significant amount of course time will be spent on troubleshooting copper and optical fiber cable installations. In addition, this course will cover project planning and implementation at the technician level. Additional topics will include site safety, site surveys, blueprint reading, bonding and... Learn More

These classes are open to the public and we encourage interested WECA members to enroll early in order to secure seats. These classes are rarely offered in Northern California, and we encourage our members to take advantage of this convenient opportunity.

Registrations must be processed directly with BICSI. To learn more about these courses and to enroll yourself or an employee, click on the individual course links above, or visit www.bicsi.organd search courses by location for "Rancho Cordova."

Wednesday, January 09, 2019 WECA Gains College Credit Recommendations for its Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticesh

The Details

WECA has a big announcement! Our Commercial and Residential Electrical apprenticeship programs have received college credit recommendations from NCCRS (the National College Credit Recommendation Service).

This benefit provides WECA commercial and residential electrical apprentices the ability to gain access to college credit for completion of either program by using credit recommendations set forth by NCCRS. While admissions and acceptance of transfer credit isn't guaranteed, more than 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide currently consider awarding credit based on NCCRS recommendations.

"WECA is thrilled to extend this opportunity to our apprentices and graduates," says Terry Seabury, WECA Executive Director and CEO. "We know that some of our graduates choose to pursue additional higher education at traditional colleges and universities in fields such as construction management, and these college credit recommendations from NCCRS may allow them to receive substantial credits for the programs they've already completed at WECA. We view these NCCRS college credit recommendations as further evidence of the educational quality and vigor of our apprenticeship programs."

"NCCRS is pleased to recommend college credit for WECA's commercial and residential electrical apprenticeship courses," NCCRS Director Lisa Sax Mahoney said. "Through our professional evaluations, we continue to support the recognition of high-quality workforce training programs delivered by qualified organizations across the country."

NCCRS, founded in 1973 by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York, strives to increase access to higher education through recognition of non-collegiate learning. Using an academic peer review model, NCCRS conducts independent, third-party evaluations of courses and examinations to determine their comparability to college-level learning. Courses and examinations that meet appropriate standards receive college credit recommendations which are listed within CCRS Online, a web directory maintained by NCCRS.

Q: Who is eligible?A:
Any graduates of WECA's Commercial or Residential Electrical Apprenticeships since September of 2013. (NCCRS has granted eligibility going back five years, and evaluated WECA's programs in Autumn of 2018.)

Q: So WECA apprentice grads automatically have college credits?A: No. NCCRS makes college credit recommendations. (From NCCRS:A college credit recommendation is an academic advisement about the comparability of a learning experience to college-level instruction, such as undergraduate or graduate course work, the amount of credit that may be awarded, and areas where credit could apply. The credit recommendations are intended to guide college officials as they consider awarding credit to persons who have successfully completed NCCRS evaluated learning experiences. College credit recommendations are not actual college credit because the New York State Board of Regents does not award college credit. Through the results of the NCCRS evaluations, however, the Board of Regents encourages colleges and universities to consider accepting the credit recommendations.)

Q: How Does Acceptance of College Credit Recommendations work?A:
It is up to the college or university to choose whether to grant college credits, how many, and in what subjects, for completion of a WECA program. NCCRS recommends specific credit amounts and subjects. College and university admissions departments should reference NCCRS' WECA listing at http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors for specific recommendations. NCCRS recommends up to 66 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Commerical program, and up to 40 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Residential program.

Q: How Do WECA Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Graduates Use This Benefit?A: Apprentices grads should:1. Identify the college or university they wish to ask to accept a credit recommendation from NCCRS for work completed at WECA. (A list of colleges and universities who have previously participated with NCCRS is here: http://www.nationalccrs.org/colleges-universities. Seeing a college or university on this list is a promising sign that they will consider NCCRS' recommendation, but is not a guarantee. Further, just because a college or university is not yet shown on the list does not mean the apprentice grad shouldn't request that they consider the credit recommendation.)2. Work with their admissions advisor at their college or university of choice to learn the process for seeking college credits for their WECA Commercial or Residential program completion. The college or university may refer to this as their PLA (prior learning assessment) process or policy. The applicant should share NCCRS' WECA credit recommendation http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors with the decision-makers at their college or university.3. Request a transcript from WECA as requested by their college or university. Email apregistrar@goweca.com with transcript requests.4. If the applicant encounters problems with their transfer credit request, they can submit a Request for Assistance Form to NCCRS so that NCCRS can advocate on the applicant's behalf.

Q: What about Low Voltage Apprenticeship? Or the Electrician Trainee Program?A:
WECA plans to pursue college credit recommendations for its Low Voltage Apprenticeship program next year, so please stay tuned for more information on that.

WECA is currently evaluating demand for college credit recommendations for its Electrician Trainee program.

Q: What if I still have questions?A: Please call us at 1-877-444-9322 and we'll do our best to help you out.

Wednesday, January 09, 2019 WECA Gains College Credit Recommendations for its Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticesh

The Details

WECA has a big announcement! Our Commercial and Residential Electrical apprenticeship programs have received college credit recommendations from NCCRS (the National College Credit Recommendation Service).

This benefit provides WECA commercial and residential electrical apprentices the ability to gain access to college credit for completion of either program by using credit recommendations set forth by NCCRS. While admissions and acceptance of transfer credit isn't guaranteed, more than 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide currently consider awarding credit based on NCCRS recommendations.

"WECA is thrilled to extend this opportunity to our apprentices and graduates," says Terry Seabury, WECA Executive Director and CEO. "We know that some of our graduates choose to pursue additional higher education at traditional colleges and universities in fields such as construction management, and these college credit recommendations from NCCRS may allow them to receive substantial credits for the programs they've already completed at WECA. We view these NCCRS college credit recommendations as further evidence of the educational quality and vigor of our apprenticeship programs."

"NCCRS is pleased to recommend college credit for WECA's commercial and residential electrical apprenticeship courses," NCCRS Director Lisa Sax Mahoney said. "Through our professional evaluations, we continue to support the recognition of high-quality workforce training programs delivered by qualified organizations across the country."

NCCRS, founded in 1973 by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York, strives to increase access to higher education through recognition of non-collegiate learning. Using an academic peer review model, NCCRS conducts independent, third-party evaluations of courses and examinations to determine their comparability to college-level learning. Courses and examinations that meet appropriate standards receive college credit recommendations which are listed within CCRS Online, a web directory maintained by NCCRS.

Q: Who is eligible?A:
Any graduates of WECA's Commercial or Residential Electrical Apprenticeships since September of 2013. (NCCRS has granted eligibility going back five years, and evaluated WECA's programs in Autumn of 2018.)

Q: So WECA apprentice grads automatically have college credits?A: No. NCCRS makes college credit recommendations. (From NCCRS:A college credit recommendation is an academic advisement about the comparability of a learning experience to college-level instruction, such as undergraduate or graduate course work, the amount of credit that may be awarded, and areas where credit could apply. The credit recommendations are intended to guide college officials as they consider awarding credit to persons who have successfully completed NCCRS evaluated learning experiences. College credit recommendations are not actual college credit because the New York State Board of Regents does not award college credit. Through the results of the NCCRS evaluations, however, the Board of Regents encourages colleges and universities to consider accepting the credit recommendations.)

Q: How Does Acceptance of College Credit Recommendations work?A:
It is up to the college or university to choose whether to grant college credits, how many, and in what subjects, for completion of a WECA program. NCCRS recommends specific credit amounts and subjects. College and university admissions departments should reference NCCRS' WECA listing at http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors for specific recommendations. NCCRS recommends up to 66 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Commerical program, and up to 40 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Residential program.

Q: How Do WECA Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Graduates Use This Benefit?A: Apprentices grads should:1. Identify the college or university they wish to ask to accept a credit recommendation from NCCRS for work completed at WECA. (A list of colleges and universities who have previously participated with NCCRS is here: http://www.nationalccrs.org/colleges-universities. Seeing a college or university on this list is a promising sign that they will consider NCCRS' recommendation, but is not a guarantee. Further, just because a college or university is not yet shown on the list does not mean the apprentice grad shouldn't request that they consider the credit recommendation.)2. Work with their admissions advisor at their college or university of choice to learn the process for seeking college credits for their WECA Commercial or Residential program completion. The college or university may refer to this as their PLA (prior learning assessment) process or policy. The applicant should share NCCRS' WECA credit recommendation http://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/western-electrical-contractors with the decision-makers at their college or university.3. Request a transcript from WECA as requested by their college or university. Email apregistrar@goweca.com with transcript requests.4. If the applicant encounters problems with their transfer credit request, they can submit a Request for Assistance Form to NCCRS so that NCCRS can advocate on the applicant's behalf.

Q: What about Low Voltage Apprenticeship? Or the Electrician Trainee Program?A:
WECA plans to pursue college credit recommendations for its Low Voltage Apprenticeship program next year, so please stay tuned for more information on that.

WECA is currently evaluating demand for college credit recommendations for its Electrician Trainee program.

Q: What if I still have questions?A: Please call us at 1-877-444-9322 and we'll do our best to help you out.

For students enrolled in a WECA Apprenticeship program, Electrician Trainee program, or Journeyman-level continuing education classes.Application Deadline: January 15, 2019
The Western Electrical Contractors Education Foundation (WECEF) is pleased to announce it is again offering a scholarship program for students enrolled as an Apprentice, Electrician Trainee, or a Journeyman taking continuing education courses with WECA.

The WECEF Scholarship is intended to assist students whose career pursuits are in the electrical or low voltage fields and to help them in continuing their education with WECA.

Scholarships will be awarded in amounts ranging from $200 to $500 per successful applicant and are to be used for the cost of books, tools, fees, and/or tuition.

Awarded scholarships are at the sole discretion of the WECEF Board of Directors and contingent upon the applicant's ability to meet the eligibility and application requirements noted in the application form.

Apprentices and students can learn more and download the application form at the following link, or contact 877-444-9322 for more information.Download Scholarship Application

Application Deadline:
January 15, 2019

Applications and all required documents must be received by 5:00PM on January 15, 2019.